Roundel Study : London Transport Executive ; Department of Architecture & Design : nd [c.1980]

A fascinating report, in two sections the first being a photographic record of the use of the roundel within the then LT system and secondly, a brief analysis and recommendations for discussions to help provide "new and coherent directives to the various departments" in terms of the use of the roundel. It is not dated but I would say that c1980 seems right as Sir Peter Masefield was only chairman of LTE from 1980 until 1982.

 

The device, previously known as the 'bulls-eye' or 'bar and circle' has been associated with London's transport since its introduction on Underground station platforms in 1908 and over the decades not only has it become synonymous with the city and its transport but it has proved to be a useful and adaptable symbol for multiple uses. In fact, as this report notes, some applications were seen as 'functions for which it was not designed' - the report singles out its use as a component part of directional signs as an example.

 

The photographs show the numerous styles and applications of the symbol across London Transport's stations (both rail and bus), train and bus fleet, its premises, stationery and 'miscelleanous' uses such as the new London Transport Museum. The discussions following the recommendations where to see significant changes in the design and management of the roundel through new corporate and design standards and in the 1980s and early 1990s many of the signs seen here would be swept away - some I recall 'salvaging' for the LT Museum Collection including some that perhaps it would have been more appropriate to keep in context. Possibly the largest 'clean sweep' was around bus stops with the new design replacing every single type of post and flag across the whole of London; arguably the bus stop 'estate' had become the most untidy.

 

Interestingly the discussions do note that conservation (p.37) is of importance in considering replacement and indeed the report mentions there would be merit in replacing some already 'lost' signs at specific locations. This did not stop some rather enthusiastic 'purging' in coming decades and indeed in my role in London Underground, from 2001 - 2017, the team I was part of actually spent some time replicating various 'lost' types and styles of sign for heritage sensitive locations that we felt had been 'a step too far' in the past! The main drift is that expertise is needed, that applications should be considered and designed in accordance with their merits and "roundel useage is diversified and consistently inconsistent".

Done